American Science and Engineering, Inc. Announces $8.8 Million Sale of CargoSearch System to Abu Dhabi.

BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 27, 1998--American Science & Engineering, Inc. announced the receipt of a $8.8 million order for a CargoSearch(tm) system, training and multi-year maintenance support from the Abu Dhabi Customs Department of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The system will be deployed at the Al Gawaifat Customs Port of Entry on the border with Saudi Arabia to inspect trucks for smuggled contraband, including weapons and drugs. The system is based on the X-ray detection systems that successfully scan for drugs and other contraband on the United States border with Mexico. There are currently four systems operational and four more under construction for deployment by U.S. Customs.

Ralph Sheridan, Chief Executive Officer and President, stated, "Abu Dhabi is an important strategic client in the Middle East. The region represents rich opportunity for deployment of technology solutions for cargo and vehicle inspection. Cargo is a mode of conveyance for illegal weapons, drugs, contraband and other forms of fraudulent trade. Using both Z(R) Backscatter and transmission X-ray detection, CargoSearch(tm) provides shape and form recognition for Customs authorities, as well as identification of hidden organic contraband. CargoSearch(tm) eliminates the need for time consuming unpacking of truck trailers and sea containers, which can often require six to eight hours.

"Abu Dhabi Customs is committed to using technology to improve the effectiveness of their inspection protocols and secure their borders against smuggling. We believe this is the beginning of a successful long-term relationship with Abu Dhabi Customs and other countries in the Gulf region."

AS&E(R) develops and manufactures sophisticated X-ray inspection products for critical detection and security applications. AS&E(R)'s patented Z(R) Backscatter technology detects plastic explosives, illegal drugs, and other contraband, even when artfully concealed in complex backgrounds by terrorists and smugglers. For more information on AS&E products and technologies, please visit the Company's web site at http://www.as-e.com. -0-

Safe Harbor Statement

The foregoing press release contains statements concerning the Company's financial performance and business operations which may be considered "forward-looking" under applicable securities laws.

The Company wishes to caution readers of this press release that actual results might differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements.

Factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statement contained herein include the following: significant reductions or delays in procurements of the Company's systems by the United States Government; disruption in the supply of any sole-source component incorporated into the Company's products (of which there are several); litigation seeking to restrict the use of intellectual property used by the Company; potential product liability claims against the Company; global political trends and events which affect public perception of the threat presented by drugs, explosives and other contraband; the ability of governments and private organizations to fund purchases of the Company's products to address such threats; and the potential insufficiency of Company resources, including human resources, capital, plant and equipment and management systems, to accommodate any future growth. These and certain other factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected are more fully set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (SEC File No. 333-9151).

CONTACT: American Science & Engineering, Inc.

Jeffrey Bernfeld or Lee Steele, [phone]